The time of year has come to make course selections for the 2025-26 school year.  For many students, choosing classes can feel like a huge challenge, with pressure to make the ‘perfect’ choice. But don’t worry, according to Archie Williams students, these tips and advice can help you navigate course selection.

1.  Talk to peers.

Picking classes can be tricky. However, speaking to peers who have taken different courses than you can provide helpful insight. Consult friends in your grade and even grades above you who have taken various classes. Find out what they liked and disliked about different courses to get a student’s perspective.

2.  Attend the course workshop.

Attending the course workshops can be incredibly helpful. During this time, you can ask the teacher questions, calculate the workload to see how it will fit into your schedule, and learn about the course. You can also take notes about what you like and dislike about the course to look back on later.

3. Confide in your counselor

Counselors have gone through course selection many more times than any student has, so they will have the best advice to offer. Meet with your counselor and bounce ideas off each other to see what classes you are required to take and how different classes can fit into your schedule. 

4. Don’t overload on advanced courses

Taking four or five AP or Honors classes can be tempting with the grade boost. However, it won’t be all sunshine and rainbows once the work starts flooding in. AP classes are college-level classes intended to challenge you, and taking too many can lead to a stressful year. It’s best to have a balanced schedule, so taking a few APs and other classes you are interested in will lead you to success.

5. Do what makes you happy

It’s easy to get caught up in the decisions your friends are making, but at the end of the day, take the classes you are interested in. Think about what classes you took this year that you especially like, and base your next year’s selection on that. 

Choosing classes is an important step in your high school career. Try your hardest not to stress and get overwhelmed, and remember to take classes that reflect your interests. No matter what classes you end up in, if you work hard and give it your all everything will work out.